Tx iq mismatch pre-compensation using direct learning adaptation

ABSTRACT

A direct conversion wireless transmitter includes IQ mismatch pre-compensation using direct learning adaptation to adjust IQ pre-compensation filtering. Widely-linear IQ_mismatch pre-compensation filtering compensates for IQ mismatch in the TX analog chain, filtering of input data x(n) to provide pre-compensated data y(n) with a compensation image designed to interfere destructively with the IQ_mismatch image. A feedback receiver FBRX captures feedback data z(n) used for direct learning adaptation. DL adaptation adjusts IQ_mismatch filters, modeled as an x(n)_direct and complex conjugate x(n)_image transfer functions w 1  and w 2,  including generating an adaptation error signal based on a difference between TX/FBRX-path delayed versions of x(n) and z(n), and can include estimation and compensation for TX/FBRX phase errors. DL adaptation adjusts the IQ pre-comp filters w 1/ w 2  to minimize the adaptation error signal. Similar modeling can be used for IQ mismatch. The IQ_mismatch pre-compensator can be implemented as a combination of digital signal processing and hardware acceleration.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Priority is claimed under 37 CFR 1.78 and 35 USC 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application 62/040775 (Docket TI-75216PS), filed 22 Aug. 2014, which is incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field. This Patent Document relates generally to direct-conversion wireless transmitter design, including IQ mismatch compensation.

Related Art. In wireless transceivers, direct conversion can be used for the transmitter (TX) and/or receiver (RX). Direct conversion (zero/low IF) wireless architectures use IQ modulation/demodulation and direct upconversion/downconversion to/from RF, eliminating conversion at an intermediate frequency (IF).

Direct conversion architectures commonly use quadrature (IQ) signal conversion and digital filtering. To meet requirements on out-of-band emissions, direct conversion transmitter designs commonly use digital compensation for TX non-linearities and IQ mismatch (mismatch/imbalance between I and Q signal paths).

TX non-linearities can be compensated by digital pre-distortion (DPD). IQ mismatch is compensated by digital filtering (IQ mismatch compensation or QMC). A feedback receiver (FBRX) is used to capture data required for such compensation.

IQ mismatch generates an image at frequencies reflected about the LO (local oscillator) frequency, which can appear in frequency bands outside the channel reserved for the TX (direct) signal. QMC is used to meet spectral emissions mask requirements for out-of-band interference, such as ACLR (adjacent channel leakage ratio) and ACPR (adjacent channel power ratio).

Various approaches to adapting TX QMC filter coefficients either make assumptions about the IQ mismatch, or restrict the form of the transmitted signal band. For example, TX QMC filter coefficients can be adapted assuming the TX IQ mismatch is frequency-independent, or that it does not drift with temperature. The frequency-independent assumption is not satisfied for transmitters that need to handle broadband signals, such as multi-carrier LTE deployments. Solutions that assume the mismatch does not drift (for example, due to ambient temperature control) can use a one-time calibration with a broadband training signal during system power up.

Other approaches are able to adapt the TX IQ mismatch over a wide bandwidth, and track temperature variations as long as the signal spectrum is restricted to a symmetric band. These approaches require a single carrier or regularly spaced channels.

BRIEF SUMMARY

This Brief Summary is provided as a general introduction to the Disclosure provided by the Detailed Description and Drawings, summarizing aspects and features of the Disclosure. It is not a complete overview of the Disclosure, and should not be interpreted as identifying key elements or features of, or otherwise characterizing or delimiting the scope of, the disclosed invention.

The Disclosure describes apparatus and methods for TX IQ mismatch pre-compensation using direct learning adaptation, suitable for use in a direct conversion wireless transmitter architecture.

According to aspects of the Disclosure, a direct conversion wireless transmitter can include IQ mismatch pre-compensation using direct learning adaptation to adjust IQ pre-compensation filtering. Widely-linear IQ_mismatch pre-compensation filtering compensates for IQ mismatch in the TX analog chain, filtering of input data x(n) to provide pre-compensated data y(n) with a compensation image designed to interfere destructively with the IQ_mismatch image. A feedback receiver FBRX captures feedback data z(n) used for direct learning adaptation. DL adaptation adjusts IQ_mismatch filters, modeled as an x(n)_direct and complex conjugate x(n)_image transfer functions w1 and w2, including generating an adaptation error signal based on a difference between TX/FBRX-path delayed versions of x(n) and z(n), and can include estimation and compensation for TX/FBRX phase errors. DL adaptation adjusts the IQ pre-comp filters w1/w2 to minimize the adaptation error signal. Similar modeling can be used for IQ mismatch. The IQ_mismatch pre-compensator can be implemented as a combination of digital signal processing and hardware acceleration.

Other aspects and features of the invention claimed in this Patent Document will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following Disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example functional embodiment of a wireless transceiver (100) including a direct conversion wireless transmitter (TX 110) with a TX IQ_Mismatch Pre-Compensator (120) and a Feedback Receiver (FBRX 140).

FIG. 2 illustrates an example functional embodiment of the TX IQ_Mismatch Pre-Compensator (220), including IQ pre-comp filters (221) (direct and complex conjugate image transfer functions w1 and w2), with direct learning adaptation (222) of the IQ pre-comp filters (w1/w2), including transmit/feedback signal path delay compensation (223/224).

FIG. 3 illustrates an example functional embodiment of the TX IQ_Mismatch Pre-Compensator (220), including IQ pre-comp filters (w1/w2 (direct and complex conjugate transfer functions w1 and w2), with direct learning adaptation (222), including transmit/feedback signal path delay compensation (223/224), and including phase error estimation/compensation (225).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This Description and the Drawings constitute a Disclosure for TX IQ mismatch pre-compensation using direct learning adaptation for use in a direct conversion wireless transmitter architecture, including example embodiments that illustrate various technical features and advantages.

In brief overview, IQ mismatch pre-compensation using direct learning adaptation can be used in an direct conversion wireless transmitter to adjust IQ pre-compensation filtering. Widely-linear IQ_mismatch pre-compensation filtering compensates for IQ mismatch in the TX analog chain, filtering of input data x(n) to provide pre-compensated data y(n) with a compensation image designed to interfere destructively with the IQ_mismatch image. A feedback receiver FBRX captures feedback data z(n) used for direct learning adaptation. DL adaptation adjusts IQ_mismatch filters, modeled as an x(n)_direct and complex conjugate x(n)_image transfer functions w1 and w2, including generating an adaptation error signal based on a difference between TX/FBRX-path delayed versions of x(n) and z(n), and can include estimation and compensation for TX/FBRX phase errors. DL adaptation adjusts the IQ pre-comp filters w1/w2 to minimize the adaptation error signal. Similar modeling can be used for IQ mismatch. The IQ_mismatch pre-compensator can be implemented as a combination of digital signal processing and hardware acceleration.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example functional embodiment of a wireless transceiver 100 that includes a transmit (TX) signal chain/path 102, a feedback receive (FBRX) signal chain/path 103, and a receive (RX) signal chain/path 106.

TX signal chain 102 is based on a direct conversion (zero/low-IF) architecture. It includes a direct conversion transmitter TX 110 providing IQ modulation and upconversion of a TX baseband analog signal to TX RF. The TX analog chain is characterized by an IQ mismatch/imbalance associated with IQ modulation and upconversion. IQ mismatch is manifested as an IQ_mismatch image that, without QMC, will appear in TX RF.

An IQ_Mismatch Pre-Compensator 120 in the TX signal chain 102 pre-filters input digital TX baseband data x(n), producing pre-compensated TX baseband data y(n). IQ_Mismatch Pre-Compensator 120 adaptively filters the input TX baseband data x(n) such that the resulting pre-compensated TX baseband data y(n) provided to the TX analog chain manifests a compensation image designed to interfere destructively with the IQ_mismatch image associated with IQ mismatch in the TX analog chain, suppressing the IQ_mismatch image from the TX RF (below adjacent channel signal interference requirements). A feedback receiver FBRX 130 in the FBRX signal path 103 captures data used by IQ_Mismatch Pre-compensator 120 for IQ_mismatch pre-compensation, converting the TX RF back to digital FBRX baseband data z(n).

The example transmitter TX 110 includes an IQ filter front end 112, and a TX upconverter 114 with IQ mixers 116I/116Q. IQ filter front end receives the pre-compensated TX baseband data y(n), providing IQ filtering for the real I and imaginary Q portions of the TX baseband data y(n), with DAC conversion to corresponding analog TX IQ baseband signals. TX upconverter 114 low-pass filters the TX IQ baseband signals, followed by upconversion to RF in IQ mixers 116I/116Q and summing.

RF circuitry 150 provides RF transmit and receive. TX RF is transmitted, and fed back to the FBRX signal path 103 (FBRX 130). Received RX RF is routed to the RX signal path 106, including a receiver RX 160.

As described in detail in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3, TX IQ_Mismatch Pre-Compensator 120 implements widely linear pre-compensation filtering with direct learning adaptation according to this Disclosure.

Pre-compensation filtering is widely linear in that the input TX baseband data x(n) and its complex conjugate are filtered. Pre-compensation filtering is modeled as an x(n)_direct transfer function w1 (receiving x(n) as input), and a complex conjugate x(n)_image transfer function w2 (receiving a complex conjugate of x(n) as input). Transfer functions w1 and w2 are designated IQ pre-comp filters.

IQ pre-comp filters w1 and w2 are adapted based on direct learning in that the IQ_Mismatch Pre-Compensator directly adjusts the IQ pre-comp filters (filter coefficients) in the signal path.

The example transceiver 100 in FIG. 1 is functionally illustrated with a direct conversion TX signal chain 102, including transmitter 110 and IQ_Mismatch Pre-Compensator 120, and associated FBRX signal chain 103 including feedback receiver FBRX 130. A separate RX signal path 106 includes receiver RX 160.

FBRX 130 and RX 160 can be based on direct conversion or heterodyne architectures. If FBRX 130 is a direct conversion architecture, it should be designed to provide the FBRX baseband data z(n), including downconversion mixing and IQ demodulation, without exhibiting significant IQ mismatch, such as by implementing IQ mismatch pre-compensation. FBRX 130 and RX 160 can be implemented as a shared receiver architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example functional embodiment of the TX IQ_Mismatch Pre-Compensator 220, configured for IQ pre-compensation filtering with direct learning adaptation. IQ_Mismatch Pre-Compensator 220 includes IQ pre-compensation filtering 221, modeled as an x(n)_direct transfer function w1 (receiving x(n) as input), and a complex conjugate x(n)_image transfer function w2 (receiving a complex conjugate of x(n) as input), designated as IQ pre-comp filters w1 and w2.

For the example embodiment, IQ_Mismatch Pre-Compensator 220 is implemented by digital signal processing, such as in a digital signal processor (DSP) or microprocessor unit (MPU), in combination with hardware acceleration for certain functions that are computationally expensive. For example, hardware acceleration can be used for auto-correlation of x(n) and z(n), and cross-correlation between x(n) and z(n).

IQ_Mismatch Pre-Compensator 220 receives input TX baseband data x(n), and feedback FBRX baseband data z(n), and produces pre-compensated TX baseband data y(n). IQ_Mismatch Pre-Compensator 220 implements IQ pre-compensation filtering 221, with direct learning filter adaptation 222. The pre-compensated TX baseband data y(n) is input to TX 110 for IQ modulation and upconversion to RF, providing IQ_mismatch image suppression through destructive interference with the y(n) compensation image (below any adjacent channel signal interference requirements).

For the example embodiment, IQ_Mismatch Pre-Compensator 220 adjusts the IQ pre-comp filters w1 and w2 based on a linear combination of direct learning adaptations for successive data blocks. IQ pre-comp filters w1 and w2 are fixed during data block capture. For each data block, IQ_Mismatch Pre-compensator 220 performs direct learning adaptation, which adaptations are stored for linear combination before the IQ pre-comp filters are adjusted.

Direct learning adaptation 222 adapts the IQ pre-comp filters w1/w2 as a direct learning adaptation based on the input TX baseband data x(n) and feedback FBRX baseband data z(n), including estimating delay through the respective TX and FBRX signal chains (FIG. 1, 102 and 103).

Functionally, IQ_Mismatch Pre-Compensator 220 includes a TX delay estimator 223 and a FBRX delay estimator 224. TX delay estimator 223 modifies the input TX baseband data x(n) corresponding to a delay through the TX signal path, producing a delayed version of x(n). FBRX delay estimator 224 modifies feedback FBRX baseband data z(n) corresponding to a delay through the FBRX signal path, producing a delayed version of z(n).

A TX/FBRX error signal generator 226, such as a signal subtractor, generates an adaptation error signal 227 corresponding to a difference between respective delayed versions of x(n) and z(n).

A DL adapter 229 implements a direct learning adaption of the IQ_mismatch pre-compensation filters w1 and w2, based on the adaptation error signal 227. DL adapter 229 performs direct learning adaptation to adjust IQ pre-comp filters w1 and w2 (filter coefficients) to minimize the adaptation error signal.

As noted above, for the example embodiment, IQ_Mismatch Pre-Compensator 220 is implemented by digital signal processing in combination with hardware acceleration for certain functions that are computationally expensive. For example, hardware acceleration can be used for auto-correlation of x(n) and z(n), and cross-correlation between x(n) and z(n). Further, hardware acceleration can be used for some combination of TX delay estimation, FBRX delay estimation, TX/FBRX error signal generation, and DL adaptation.

DL adapter 226 can be configured to minimize the adaptation error (and achieve convergence of the IQ pre-comp filters w1/w2 that converges in the direction of an estimated steepest descent, according to the vector expression w[n]=w[n−1]−μΔw[n], where w[n] is the filter state vector for the filter update, and Δw[n] is a steepest descent vector for the estimated direction of the steepest descent. The steepest descent vector Δw[n] is related to an error vector (e[n]) for the adaptation error signal by a Jacobian matrix, denoted e=J(Δw).

The update to the filter state vector can be based on a least-squares solution, expressed as w[n+1]=w[n]−μ(J^(H)J)⁻¹(J^(H)e[n]), where [Δw[n]=(J^(H)J)⁻¹(J^(H)e[n])] is a least-squares estimation for the direction of steepest descent. Alternative approaches to determining the filter state vector include using a conjugate gradient algorithm, and using a Kalman filter.

Convergence of the direct learning adaptation of the IQ pre-comp filters w1/w2 depends in part on the design of the TX analog chain. IQ_mismatch associated with TX 110 can be modeled by a y(n)_direct transfer function g₁(f) ((receiving y(n) as input), and a complex conjugate y(n)_image transfer function g₂(f) (receiving a complex conjugate of y(n) as input). TX 110 (FIG. 1, analog chain 114) can be designed such that direct learning adaption converges based on: (a) ∥g₁(f)∥≈1, , (b) ∥g₂(f)∥ is in the range of 30 dB less than ∥g₁(f)∥, and (c) ∥1−g₁(f)∥<1.

Referring to FIG. 1, implementations of the TX and FBRX signal chains can cause phase variations that require compensation. For example, TX 110 can be designed for multiple transmit channels (multiple carrier frequencies), and for multiple calibration functions, with FBRX 130 shared between channels and calibration functions. In addition, FBRX can be used to capture data for both IQ mismatch compensation in the TX signal chain, and DPD (digital pre-distortion) for the power amplifier. When the FBRX carrier frequency alternates, the phase difference between TX and FBRX mixers changes.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example functional embodiment of the TX IQ_Mismatch Pre-Compensator (220) in which phase error can be estimated and corrected in the correlation computation for direct learning adaptation.

TX IQ_Mismatch Pre-Compensator 220, direct learning adaptation 222, can include phase error estimation 225. Specifically, direct learning adaptation 222 can be configured to estimate a phase error between the TX upconversion and FBRX downconversion, represented as phase error estimator 225. DL adapter 229 can implement direct learning adaptation including phase error compensation according to the phase of a complex number generated in DL adapter 229 by a cross-correlation between the TX baseband data x(n) and the FBRX baseband data z(n).

TX IQ mismatch compensation with direct learning adaptation of IQ pre-compensation filtering according to this Disclosure has a number of advantages. Direct learning adaptation can compensate and track fully frequency-dependent TX IQ mismatch, independent of the frequency band of the transmitted signal. A widely-linear digital filter design is used to mitigate interference by producing an image in the baseband (digital) domain that cancels the IQ_mismatch image resulting from IQ mismatch in the TX analog chain, so that any resulting image is below adjacent channel signal interference requirements. IQ pre-compensation filter coefficients are adapted to handle arbitrary broadband TX signal spectra, and to track mismatch variations due to factors such as temperature drift.

The Disclosure provided by this Description and the Figures sets forth example embodiments and applications illustrating aspects and features of the invention, and does not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims. Known circuits, functions and operations are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the principles and features of the invention. These example embodiments and applications can be used by ordinarily skilled artisans as a basis for modifications, substitutions and alternatives to construct other embodiments, including adaptations for other applications. 

1. A wireless transmitter circuit based on a direct conversion architecture, comprising a TX signal chain including a digital widely-linear TX IQ_mismatch pre-compensator coupled to a TX analog unit, the TX IQ_mismatch pre-compensator coupled to receive digital TX baseband data x(n) and provide to the TX analog unit digital pre-compensated TX baseband data y(n); the TX analog unit configured to convert the pre-compensated TX baseband data y(n) from the TX IQ_mismatch pre-compensator to a TX baseband analog signal, and; perform analog IQ modulation and upconversion of the TX baseband analog signal to a TX RF signal, the TX analog unit characterized by an IQ mismatch associated with IQ modulation and upconversion, manifested as an IQ_mismatch image; the digital TX IQ_mismatch pre-compensator configured to: perform IQ_mismatch pre-compensation filtering of the TX baseband data x(n), and provide the pre-compensated TX baseband data y(n), such that the pre-compensated TX baseband data y(n) manifests a compensation image designed to interfere destructively with the IQ_mismatch image associated with the TX analog unit; a FBRX unit configured to downconvert the TX RF signal and provide corresponding digital FBRX baseband data z(n); the TX IQ_mismatch pre-compensator further configured for direct learning adaptation of the IQ pre-compensation filtering, modeled as an x(n)_direct transfer function w1 (receiving x(n) as input), and a complex conjugate x(n)_image transfer function w2 (receiving a complex conjugate of x(n) as input), designated IQ pre-comp filters w1 and w2, the TX IQ_mismatch pre-compensator including a TX delay estimator configured to modify x(n) corresponding to a delay through the TX analog unit, producing a delayed version of x(n); a FBRX delay estimator configured to modify z(n) corresponding to a delay through the FBRX unit, producing a delayed version of z(n); a TX/FBRX error signal generator configured to generate an adaptation error signal corresponding to a difference between respective delayed versions of x(n) and z(n); and a DL adapter configured to perform direct learning adaptation to adjust the IQ pre-comp filters w1 and w2 to minimize the adaptation error signal.
 2. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the DL adapter is configured perform a direct learning adaptation that converges in the direction of an estimated steepest descent, according to, where w[n] is the filter state vector for the filter update, and Δw[n] is a steepest descent vector for the estimated direction of the steepest descent, which is related to an error vector (e[n]) for the adaptation error signal by a Jacobian matrix, denoted e=J(Δw).
 3. The circuit of claim 2, wherein an update to the filter state vector is w[n+1]=w[n]−μ(J^(H))⁻¹(J^(H)e[n]), where [Δw[n]=(J^(H)J)⁻¹(J^(H)e[n])] is based on a least-squares solution for the estimated direction of steepest descent.
 4. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the IQ mismatch in the TX analog unit, which receives as input TX baseband data y(n), is modeled by a y(n)_direct transfer function g₁(f) ((receiving y(n) as input), and a complex conjugate y(n)_image transfer function g₂(f) (receiving a complex conjugate of y(n) as input) such that direct learning adaption is based on: (a) ∥g₁(f)∥≈1, (b) ∥g₂(f)∥ is in the range of 30 dB less than ∥g₁(f)∥, and (c) ∥1−g₁(f)<1.
 5. The circuit of claim 4, wherein the FBRX is based on a direct conversion architecture, including performing analog IQ downconversion and demodulation to provide the FBRX baseband data z(n) without introducing significant IQ mismatch associated with downconversion and IQ demodulation.
 6. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the TX IQ_mismatch pre-compensator is further configured to estimate a phase error between the TX analog unit upconversion and the FBRX unit downconversion, and compensate for that phase error according to the phase of a complex number generated in the DL adapter by a cross-correlation between the TX baseband data x(n) and the FBRX baseband data z(n).
 7. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the TX IQ_mismatch pre-compensator performs direct learning adaptation to update the IQ pre-comp filters w1 and w2 based on a linear combination of direct learning adaptations for successive data blocks, where the state of the IQ pre-comp filters w1 and w2 is fixed during data block capture.
 8. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the TX IQ_mismatch pre-compensator is configured to perform the following function is one of a digital signal processor and a hardware accelerator: TX delay estimation, FBRX delay estimation, TX/FBRX error signal generation, and DL adaptation. 